“Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful city in the world,” said Atatürk. With these words, he wasn’t only praising the region’s natural beauty but also its deep-rooted historical heritage. Among the most striking remnants of this heritage is Perge Ancient City, once one of the grandest cities of antiquity. And the Antalya Museum stands as a guardian of …
Beypazarı, one of Turkey’s most prominent cultural tourism centers, owes its reputation to its strategic location that has supported a vibrant economy throughout history, and to the diverse civilizations that have settled in this commercial hub. From its unique architecture to its rich cuisine and traditional crafts, the district offers an authentic Anatolian experience. Located 98 kilometers west of Ankara, …
Every year, 23rd of April marks the feast day of Saint George ,known by various names such as Sankt Jordi in Catalonia and Aya Yorgi in Turkey, who is revered as a holy figure in both Eastern and Western Christianity. Originating from Cappadocia, this saint is globally recognized and honored, especially for the legendary tale of his battle with a …
Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe and serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has been a major hub of trade and culture for centuries, with its islands, architecture, and natural beauty. The city’s impact on artists can be seen in countless works of art. In this article, you can explore Old Istanbul paintings …
Phaselis Ancient City, believed to have been founded in the 7th century BC on a small peninsula extending into the Mediterranean, was discovered in 1811. It takes every visitor on a journey back in time, right into the heart of nature. Some sources identify Phaselis as a Lycian city, while others consider it part of Pamphylia. Founded by Rhodian traders, …
The Importance of Water in Istanbul’s Urban History Water is one of the primary indicators of whether a place has evolved into a proper city. Throughout history, settlements have typically formed near water sources. Though Istanbul lacks significant rivers, its unique geography necessitated innovative solutions to water supply. For centuries, water was brought to the city via aqueducts from as …
The “rooftop churches,” built on the inns constructed at the end of the 1800s in Istanbul to accommodate Russians traveling to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, still open their doors today to those who wish to worship. Throughout the ages, Istanbul has been known by many names. After becoming a settlement during the Roman Empire, it turned into one of the most …
Overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plain from just 4 kilometers east of Mardin, Deyrulzafaran Monastery stands as one of the oldest and most revered Syriac Christian sites in the world. Also known as the Saffron Monastery (from the Turkish “Safran”), this extraordinary spiritual complex is not only a religious pilgrimage site but also a powerful symbol of cultural resilience. Originally constructed …
Emerging from the ancient Phrygian Valley nestled between Afyonkarahisar, Eskişehir, and Kütahya, the Phrygian cap -also known as the red cap of liberty- has silently wrapped itself around global revolutions and independence movements. But how many know its Anatolian origin? Did you know that the same red cap seen during the French Revolution, the American struggle for independence, the coats …
From the 13th century onward in Europe, being Turkish often meant being Muslim, and vice versa. This association became so prominent that Turks were recognized as Muslims not just in their own lands but throughout Europe and beyond. However, the Turkish identity spans thousands of years, encompassing diverse religious traditions. While Islam is the predominant faith among Turks, there are …